About Us

We are a unique, community-based developmental services program supporting young adults (18+) with autism, developmental disabilities, and other neurodiverse needs.

We are not a passive day program.

We are a hands-on, skills-based learning environment where every day is focused on building confidence, independence, executive functioning, and practical life skills.

At our program, the world is our classroom.

Whether we're preparing meals, riding public transit, grocery shopping, volunteering, budgeting, exercising, or participating in the community, every activity is designed to teach meaningful life skills that prepare young adults for greater independence.

We don't simply care for people.

We coach them.

Job Summary

This is not a traditional support worker position.

We're looking for an energetic, confident, compassionate professional who believes in teaching rather than doing.

Your role is to coach young adults through real-life experiences while helping them build the confidence and skills needed for adulthood.

If you naturally find yourself taking over because it's faster or easier, this position is probably not the right fit.

Success in this role means helping participants accomplish tasks independently through patience, encouragement, modelling, prompting, and gradual fading of support.

Responsibilities - What You'll Be Doing

- Coach young adults in developing everyday life skills
- Teach cooking, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, grocery shopping, and personal organization
- Support executive functioning, including planning, organization, transitions, time management, and task completion
- Encourage independence through coaching, prompting, modelling, and gradual fading of support
- Facilitate community-based learning using public transit, local businesses, recreation programs, and volunteer opportunities
- Support communication, social interaction, and relationship-building
- Respond calmly and professionally to behavioural and emotional challenges using strengths-based approaches
- Maintain accurate documentation and progress notes as needed
- Work collaboratively with families and fellow team members




- Help create a positive, structured, respectful, and engaging learning environment

The Ideal Candidate

You are someone who

- Believes every person has the potential to learn and grow
- Understands that independence takes patience and repetition
- Gives clear, step-by-step instructions
- Communicates professionally and respectfully
- Enjoys being active and engaged throughout the day
- Can think independently and solve problems confidently
- Is organized and manages time effectively
- Works well as part of a team
- Takes pride in helping others achieve success
- Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and families
- Proven ability to collect, record, and analyze data accurately for progress tracking
- Compassionate attitude with a commitment to supporting children's developmental needs

This Position Is NOT For Someone Who...

- Prefers sitting and supervising rather than actively participating
- Frequently completes tasks for participants because "it's faster"
- Struggles to stay organized or manage time
- Becomes easily frustrated when teaching new skills
- Requires constant direction from supervisors
- Is uncomfortable working in community settings
- Has difficulty communicating clearly

Minimum Qualifications:

- Minimum two years of experience supporting young adults (18+) with autism, developmental disabilities, or neurodiverse needs
- Experience working in a community-based day program, developmental services, behavioural support, or similar environment
- Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
- Strong understanding of person-centred support and teaching independence
- Experience teaching practical life skills
- Valid Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Social Service Worker (SSW), Child and Youth Care (CYC),



Behavioural Science, Autism and Behavioural Science, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA), PSW, or a related diploma or degree
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check
- Valid driver's licence is considered an asset

What Success Looks Like The right candidate will: ✔ Teach instead of taking over

✔ Build confidence rather than dependence

✔ Encourage participants to problem solve

✔ Give consistent, respectful coaching

✔ Support executive functioning development

✔ Celebrate progress, not perfection

✔ Believe that small successes lead to lifelong independence

Perks

- Casual dress
- Complimentary coffee and snacks
- On-site parking
- Professional development opportunities
- Meaningful, rewarding work
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Free Lunch

Pay: $17.82-$22.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking

Application question(s):
- In your own words, what is the difference between supporting someone and doing the task for them?
- Describe a life skill you have successfully taught to an adult with developmental disabilities. How did you teach it?
- What strategies do you use to support executive functioning, including planning, organization, transitions, and task completion?
- Do you have a Valid Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Social Service Worker (SSW), Child and Youth Care (CYC), Behavioural Science, Autism and Behavioural Science, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA), PSW, or a related diploma or degree. Please advise which?
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check
- Do you have a least one year of Experience teaching practical life skills
- Do you have at least one year supporting young adults (18+) with autism, developmental disabilities, or neurodiverse needs
- Do you have at least one year of Strong understanding of person-centred support and teaching independence

Work Location: In person

📌 Specialized Program Support Worker (Toronto)
🏢 The MindShift Academy
📍 Toronto